Five Mt. Juliet Police Officers Graduate from Police Academy

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Five Mt. Juliet police officers graduated from the 10-week Basic Police School at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) in Nashville this morning, and the department is proud of their achievement.

Mt. Juliet’s newest police officers Tyler Anderson, Jacob Dean, Dalton Engstrom, Derek Thornhill, and Travis Watkins, along with over 90 other law enforcement officers across the state of Tennessee, took part in a graduation ceremony for Basic Police School 1782 held at TLETA today. Tyler Anderson was elected as the class Vice-President and received the highest score in firearms training. Officer Watkins was the class Chaplain.

Officer Watkins, class Chaplain, Gave the Invocation at Graduation

Prior to becoming a police officer, Officer Anderson served in the United States Army and is a Lipscomb University graduate. Officer Dean is a former police dispatcher, and a Cumberland University graduate. Officer Engstrom is a Tennessee Tech University graduate. Officer Thornhill served in the United States Marine Corps and is a former correctional officer with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Watkins served in the United States Army and is a youth minister.

“While at the police academy, our officers excelled and represented our department well, with two holding two of the three class officer positions,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick. “On behalf of the entire Mt. Juliet Police family, we are very proud of their achievements. They will all be great servants to our community.”

TLETA provides the technical and tactical training as well as the ethical and professional standards for law enforcement that are necessary for success.

“Serving as a law enforcement officer is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers someone can choose,” stated TLETA Director Brian Grisham. “TLETA gives its graduates the training needed to make good choices in the midst of high-pressure situations. I commend the students of Basic Police School Class 1782 for their commitment, dedication and accomplishments.”